Rep. Patrick Sheehan Raises Concerns Over Cook County Electronic Monitoring Report (Homer Glen, IL) – State Rep. Patrick Sheehan is calling for stronger oversight and accountability after a new report revealed that 244 individuals assigned to electronic monitoring in Cook County are currently considered AWOL.
According to the report, many of the individuals who are unaccounted for are facing serious felony charges, prompting renewed debate over public safety and the effectiveness of electronic monitoring systems.
Sheehan, who also serves as a police officer, said the findings are troubling and undermine confidence in the criminal justice system.
“As a police officer, these numbers are deeply alarming,” Sheehan said in a statement. “We’re talking about hundreds of individuals with pending criminal cases who are supposed to be monitored, yet many are now unaccounted for. Families across Illinois deserve to know that public safety systems are working, and right now, confidence in this system is shaken.”
The lawmaker also referenced the recent killing of Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew, whose accused killer was reportedly a parole absconder on electronic monitoring after prosecutors had sought detention.
“This conversation became painfully real after the tragic murder of Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew,” Sheehan said. “That tragedy should have been a wake-up call for everyone involved. We cannot let these tragic and horrific headlines continue to pile up until something changes. We need change NOW.”
Sheehan said he supports the release of the monitoring data but argued additional action is needed beyond transparency.
“We need accountability, stronger safeguards, and a serious review of how electronic monitoring is being managed and enforced in Cook County,” he said.
The Republican lawmaker added that public safety policies should focus on protecting victims and supporting law enforcement.
“Public safety cannot come second to politics,” Sheehan said. “The people of Illinois deserve policies that protect victims, support law enforcement, and prioritize safe communities.”
Sheehan represents Illinois’ 37th House District.
Rep. Patrick Sheehan Raises Concerns Over Cook County Electronic Monitoring Report
